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Our ocean is changing – and Maine’s coastal economy is now almost entirely dependent on one species: lobster.
But there is hope - Mainers are known for ingenuity, stewardship, and fierce independence. That’s why we knew that working with our own local fishing communities to cultivate kelp was the best way to #kelptheearth. Together we are helping to diversify coastal incomes, reduce ocean acidification, and, by working alongside our neighbors, grow, harvest, and share a delicious, sustainable, and mineral-rich sea greens with the world.
We identify, and work with, fishermen throughout the coast of Maine to help them start their own kelp farms. We provide technical assistance to help these farmers get farm leases, set up their gear, learn how to seed and harvest, and support their business planning. We also provide free seeds to all of our farmers. These folks are the soul of our business and we are proud to introduce you to them.
Karen is known throughout her remote island community of North Haven for her dedication to outdoor fitness. Prior to each spring’s kelp harvest, she embarks on a multi-week biking adventure, and has biked across the country more times than she can remember. She tried kelp for the first time after her dear friend switched to a macrobiotic diet to fight breast cancer, and, realizing its health benefits, tastiness, and abundance around her, she had to try her hand at growing it.
Greg’s career on the water is the product of his own determination, hard work, and time in the Maine Lobster Apprenticeship Program.
Today Greg is a lobster fisherman out of Stockton Springs, a beautiful harbor at the mouth of the Penobscot River, and keeps himself busy and on the water all year round by crabbing and growing kelp in the winter, as well as spending time with his awesome five-year-old son.
As a junior in high school, Elijah started in the spirit of Maine entrepreneurship early, founding his own sea farm and fishing business, Mainely Kelp.
Upon graduating, Elijah plans to become a merchant mariner, allowing him to work on cargo vessels while returning to Maine to continue to run his fishing and aquaculture ventures.
Justin loves every minute he gets to spend on the water, even the ones spent in sub-zero temperatures, miles offshore, chipping ice off his windshield.
While some Maine fishermen fish primarily from April-November, Justin fishes year-round by going offshore in the winter - proving that he is hardy enough for the sub-zero kelpin’ weather.
Alex Hutchins and Jodi Brewer are turning sea farming into a family-run business. Alex has been a commercial fisherman since he was a kid, and knows his way around the ocean as well as anyone. After a moratorium was placed on the shrimp fishery due to warming waters, Jodi, a bookkeeper for local businesses, wrote the pair a business plan for kelp farming, which they have followed to a T.
Due to the small island’s reliance on lobster (over 20% of the 1,000-person population holds a lobster license), this collaborative banded together to figure out ways to diversify each member's individual income while still working on the ocean, and are together learning how to become equally good sea farmers as they are fishermen.
Keith comes from a long line of commercial fishermen, and his son and two grandchildren are working to carry on the tradition.
In his iconic Maine accent, Keith will tell you how he and his sternman Ben started “kelpin” two years ago and that they haven’t looked back as they grow their farms into what Keith hopes will continue his family’s tradition of making a living from the sea.
Ben has worked as a sternman in the lobster industry since he started his career - and he is one of the handiest folks we have seen on the water. Ben has partnered with another of our partner farmers, Keith Miller, to grow excellent kelp in Spruce Head, Maine.
As the co-owner of Bangs Island Mussels, a hand-raised Maine mussel company, Matt is a seasoned sea farmer. Recently, Matt and his father diversified their sea farms and started growing scallops and seaweed alongside their mussels, creating an entire ecosystem of farmed crops which are all healthier - and tastier - as a result.
Born in Long Island, Maine, Nate grew up living and breathing the sea. While many in his family lobster, Nate opted for a different path on the ocean and works for a local company that develops sustainable ocean-based renewable energy solutions. With commercial fishing in his blood Nate spends much of the summer out fishing for tuna.
Stewart grew up on the coast of Maine and put himself through college diving for scallops. As the owner of Casco Bay Mooring, Stewart knows how to keep things attached to the ocean floor, which is half the battle when it comes to kelp farming. Adding seaweed to his business was a natural fit.
Zach, Blake, and Sean grew up together in Freeport, a small harbor north of Portland.
These three friends - a commercial diver, a carpenter and sailboat captain, and a local business person - recognized the opportunity in growing kelp and apply each of their skill sets to the job.
John's been involved in many fisheries including lobster, tuna, halibut, urchin, and ground fish. In additional to lobstering, John also has an oyster farm and is excited about adding kelp as a winter income source.
Bob has been a commercial fisherman for over 40 years, lobstering and scalloping out of Spruce Head. He is a strong advocate for sustainability in both of those fisheries and has been a leader in the effort to preserve working waterfront. He recognizes that diversifying into kelp farming is not only a great way to put the F/V Thrasher to work year round, but also to pave the way for future Mainers to continue to work on the water.
Scott has fished for groundfish and lobster for years - and its in his blood. Coming from a fishing family, he is passing the tradition on to his children who are also now fishing. Scott is excited about growing kelp and diversifying his income as wild fisheries become more tenuous.
Josh is always looking for new ways to spend time on the water. He's been a commercial fisherman for over 20 years, and owns and operates Islesboro Marine with his wife Shey. In 2016 they began Marshall Cove Mussels, a sea farm in Penobscot Bay and are excited to add kelp to the farm.
Greg fishes for lobster and pogies out of the close-knit harbor town of Port Clyde, Maine. Greg loves his community, and hopes to grow opportunities for his four young kids to remain close to home with kelp farming. Proudly powered by cats and coffee.
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